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7 Things About Alcohol That Many Students And Their Parents Don’t Know
As students head back to campus for the new semester, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of alcohol and its effects. In light of recent studies, Forbes has compiled a list of seven things about alcohol that many students and their parents don’t know.
Firstly, red solo cups often have measurements on the bottom, indicating the approximate standard size of shots, wine, and beer. This is crucial information for students to be aware of, as they might mistakenly believe they’re consuming less than they actually are. For instance, pouring hard liquor into half a cup might lead them to believe they’ve only consumed a half-standard drink, when in reality they may have consumed four to five shots.
Secondly, it’s essential to understand Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). A 2025 report by Stanford describes BAC as the percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream that can be measured within 30-70 minutes after drinking. This means that a 200-pound male could reach a BAC of .10% within 30 minutes of consuming four beers, surpassing the legal limit.
Thirdly, it’s crucial for students to recognize that many of their peers don’t engage in heavy drinking. A 2020 study found that nearly 85% of first-year students overestimated the frequency of heavy drinking among their same-gender peers. Additionally, only about 36.9% of students accurately reported the drinking habits of those they know. This significant gap between perception and reality can be detrimental to responsible drinking decisions.
Fourthly, it’s vital for both students and parents to understand the caloric intake associated with excessive drinking. A report from Medlineplus.gov reveals that four beers can contain up to 1,400 calories and four vodka and tonic drinks can have up to 756 calories. These staggering numbers emphasize the need for health-conscious individuals to factor in these extra calories when making choices about their lifestyle.
Fifthly, it’s necessary for students and parents to consider how much time they’re spending on alcohol-related activities. A significant portion of students reported spending over 40 hours a week on such pursuits. This revelation often surprises individuals who struggle with time management issues.
Sixthly, calculating the financial implications of excessive drinking is essential. Parents should also be aware that their children might be spending considerable sums on alcohol and related activities. Such knowledge could motivate them to reduce their use.
Lastly, it’s crucial for students to comprehend the nature of blackouts. A report by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism describes blackouts as occurring when alcohol hinders the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term storage in the brain’s hippocampus. This can result in partial or complete memory loss, making it difficult to recall events that took place while under the influence. Blackouts typically occur at a BAC of .16 percent, which is twice the legal limit.
In conclusion, being informed about these seven essential facts can help students make more informed decisions regarding their drinking habits. Equally important, parents should be aware of this information to better support their children in making responsible choices.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericwood/2025/03/24/7-things-about-alcohol-that-many-students-and-their-parents-dont-know/
